Minneapolis has become the scene of widespread looting and arson, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz activating the state's National Guard amid protests and riots in the wake of the death of a 46-year-old black man, George Floyd, on Monday, at the hands of police.
US President Donald Trump has pledged assistance from the military to quell the ongoing unrest in Minneapolis, if local authorities are unable to bring the city under control.
Videos have been circulating the internet, showing the scale of riots and looting that were triggered by the incident.
African-American George Floyd who was tackled by several police officers before being pinned to the ground and later dying in police custody on Monday.
One of the four officers involved in the incident had held a knee to the neck of Floyd, who was saying "I can't breathe" multiple times but was ignored by police.
The arrival of the police had been sparked by a call from a local grocery store, claiming Floyd had tried to pay for his purchase with an allegedly counterfeit $20 bill.
The Minneapolis Police Department subsequently said in a press release that the officers who arrived at the scene found Floyd sitting on top of a car and appearing to be under the influence.
The release added Floyd physically resisted officers when they handcuffed him, noting that he appeared to be suffering from medical distress.
Footage of the police tackling the man went viral online, setting off a wave of protests in Minneapolis, and have since been ongoing for a third consecutive night.
Protests deteriorated into uncontrolled looting, of retail stores, as well as an attack on the Minneapolis Police Department’s 3rd precinct headquarters, where the responding officers, who have since been fired, worked.
Police have been responding to the protests with prolific use of tear gas and nonlethal ammunition.
According to Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, the four police officers involved in Floyd’s arrest have been fired, with the official adding that the officer with his knee on Floyd’s neck should be placed into custody.